Cape prostitutes rescued, others fined

The city's vice squad issued R15,000 in fines to prostitutes at the weekend, mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said.

 

In Brooklyn, the squad issued eight spot fines for solicitation, totalling R7000.

 

"In Bellville, officers turned their attention to Parksig Villas where they issued a further eight spot fines for prostitution, totalling R8000," said Smith.

 

In another incident, Brooklyn police rescued a 19-year-old woman from Stellenbosch who had been forced into prostitution.

 

"The young woman was taken to a safe house and the case has been handed over to the Hawks for further investigation," said Smith.

 

The unit also assisted a pregnant woman involved in prostitution.

 

The 29-year-old woman, who was six months pregnant, said she had been thrown out by her pimp when she fell pregnant.

 

"The unit is facilitating assistance for her from a non-governmental organisation," said Smith.

 

He said these stories were heart-breaking and common.

 

"It speaks directly to our social fabric and the many challenges that give rise to women finding themselves on the street," said Smith.

 

"Enforcement alone will never solve the issue of prostitution, because for as long as those social challenges remain and for as long as there is a demand for such services, we will find ourselves rescuing hundreds more women from this vicious cycle," he said.